This past week the Environmental Protection Agency proposed new stricter standards for smog- related pollutants. The new standard would replace the one put into place by the Bush administration in 2008.
The proposal would set the standard for ground-level ozone at no more that 0.060 to 0.070 parts per million and would be phased into effect over a twenty year period. Regions with the worst smog pollution would be given more time to reach compliance that other areas.
Stricter emissions regulations would effect cars, trucks, trains, planes, ships construction equipment, factories, refiners, and landfills as well as hairspray, deodorant and other products sold in an aerosol form. In the east much of the smog related pollutants come from coal-fired power plants.
New rules could also lead to increased efforts to control the suburban sprawl of land development, resulting in more concentrated and well thought out new communities.
The proposed standards would bring substantial health benefits to millions of Americans that are suffering, especially the elderly and young.
Environmental groups say the proposed limits are within alignment with the level scientists say is needed to safeguard against increased respiratory diseases including aggravated asthma.
A ‘secondary standard’ was also proposed by the Obama administration that would be seasonally based, to protect plants and trees from repeated exposure.
Open hearings will be taking place around the country for public comments. The EPA is expected to make a decision sometime in late summer.
As expected there has been push back from the various groups in the fossil fuel industry in particular, with regards to the costs that will be incurred. The EPA however, said that those costs would be offset by the benefits to human health and the cost savings experienced.
In announcing the proposals, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said the agency was “stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face. …Using the best science to strengthen these standards is a long- overdue action that will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier.”
Deep breath everyone……… clean air something we should all expect? What do you think?
